A former teacher due to go on trial accused of sexually abusing boys has been found dead, police confirmed today. David Harris, 63, the former head of care at Hilltop special school in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, was due to appear at Luton crown court last Tuesday on charges of abusing five boys. But after he failed to attend, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was found dead the next day in the bedroom of his home in Plymouth. A post-mortem examination is due to take place to discover how he died.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall police said today: "We were alerted at 14.41pm on May 4 that the male, David Harris, had failed to turn up for court.

"As a result of trying to locate Mr Harris on behalf of Hertfordshire police, we forced entry on May 5. The male was found deceased in the bedroom."

The coroner has been informed. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with his death.

Harris was charged with 30 sexual offences against five boys between 1972 and 1990, Hertfordshire Police confirmed today.

The boys were aged seven and eight at the time of the alleged serious sex offences and acts of indecency.

It is believed Harris planned to plead not guilty to the charges. The boys, now in their 30s and 40s, alleged they were sexually abused by the teacher when they were pupils at the school.